Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
  • B60W20/00—Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles
  • B60W20/10—Controlling the power contribution of each of the prime movers to meet required power demand
  • B60W20/11—Controlling the power contribution of each of the prime movers to meet required power demand using model predictive control [MPC] strategies, i.e. control methods based on models predicting performance
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
  • B60K6/08—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means
  • B60K6/12—Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means by means of a chargeable fluidic accumulator
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
  • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
  • B60K6/22—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs
  • B60K6/38—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the driveline clutches
  • B60K6/387—Actuated clutches, i.e. clutches engaged or disengaged by electric, hydraulic or mechanical actuating means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
  • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
  • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
  • B60K6/42—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
  • B60K6/48—Parallel type
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
  • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
  • B60W10/02—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of driveline clutches
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
  • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
  • B60W10/04—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
  • B60W10/06—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of combustion engines
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
  • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
  • B60W10/04—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
  • B60W10/08—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of electric propulsion units, e.g. motors or generators
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
  • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
  • B60W10/24—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of energy storage means
  • B60W10/26—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of energy storage means for electrical energy, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
  • B60W2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
  • B60W2300/17—Construction vehicles, e.g. graders, excavators
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
  • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
  • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
  • Y02T10/62—Hybrid vehicles
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10S903/00—Hybrid electric vehicles, HEVS
  • Y10S903/902—Prime movers comprising electrical and internal combustion motors
  • Y10S903/903—Prime movers comprising electrical and internal combustion motors having energy storing means, e.g. battery, capacitor
  • Y10S903/93—Conjoint control of different elements
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10S903/00—Hybrid electric vehicles, HEVS
  • Y10S903/902—Prime movers comprising electrical and internal combustion motors
  • Y10S903/903—Prime movers comprising electrical and internal combustion motors having energy storing means, e.g. battery, capacitor
  • Y10S903/946—Characterized by control of driveline clutch

Definitions

• a working machine such as a construction machine or the like, typically has a number of different hydraulically powered functions that are controlled by a closed center hydraulic system.
• Such hydraulic systems typically feature more than one engine driven, variable displacement hydraulic pump, the displacement of which is responsive to the demands of the system.
• a control system for a working machine that includes a power consumer includes: a prime mover; an energy storage unit for storing energy; an auxiliary power unit for generating power or consuming power, the auxiliary power unit having a first connection coupled to the prime mover and a second connection couplable to the energy storage unit; and a controller operatively coupled to the prime mover and operatively couplable to the power consumer, the controller configured to: estimate a required power of the power consumer, command the prime mover to operate at an optimal operating point that produces the estimated required power, and based on a relationship between power output capability of the prime mover and power consumption of the power consumer, the controller is configured to at least one of command that excess power capacity from the prime mover be provided to the auxiliary power unit for storage in the energy storage unit, or command that energy stored in the energy storage unit be provided to the auxiliary power unit to drive the power consumer.
• the controller is further configured to disable the prime mover when the estimated required power is less than a first prescribed value and energy stored in the energy storage unit is greater than a second prescribed threshold.
• the controller is further configured to command the auxiliary power unit to operate in a motoring mode when the prime mover is in the disabled state and the energy stored in the energy storage unit is greater than the second prescribed value.
• the system includes a second clutch having a second clutch input and a second clutch output, the second clutch operable to selectively couple and decouple the second clutch input from the second clutch output, wherein the second clutch input is coupled to the auxiliary power unit and the second clutch output is coupled to the power consumer, and the controller is operatively coupled to the second clutch and configured to command the second clutch to decouple the auxiliary power unit from the power consumer when a difference between the power output by the prime mover and the power consumed by the power consumer is non- negative and less than a third prescribed value.
• estimating the required power of the power consumer includes measuring a load placed on the power consumer, and estimating the required power based on the measured load.
• the system incldues the power consumer, wherein the power consumer is coupled to the prime mover and the auxiliary power unit.
• the prime mover comprises one of an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic motor, or an electric motor.
• the auxiliary power unit comprises a hydraulic pump operable in a first mode for generating hydraulic power and a second mode for consuming hydraulic power.
• the auxiliary power unit comprises at least one of a hydraulic machine or an electric machine.
• the energy storage unit comprises at least one of an accumulator for storing hydraulic energy or a battery for storing electric energy.
• the working machine comprises an excavator.
• the controller is configured to determine an optimal operating condition for the prime mover based on constant power lines characteristic of the prime mover.
• the controller is configured to determine an optimal operating condition by finding a lowest prime mover speed and a highest prime mover torque that produces the estimated required power for the power consumer.
• the controller further includes logic configured to disable the prime mover when the estimated required power is less than a first prescribed value and energy stored in the energy storage unit is greater than a second prescribed threshold.
• the controller further includes logic configured to command the auxiliary power unit to operate in a motoring mode when the prime mover is in the disabled state and the energy stored in the energy storage unit is above a second prescribed value.
• a power consumer 14, such as a hydraulic system, electrical system or the like is coupled to the prime mover 12 via first clutch 16.
• the power consumer 14 may be any device that utilizes power such as, for example, a hydraulic system of a bucket loader.
• the hydraulic system may include a variable displacement hydraulic pump in fluid communication with one or more hydraulic actuators.
• the prime mover 12 can provide power to the hydraulic pump, the power being converted to hydraulic power and provided to the hydraulic actuator(s) based on a user input command.
• the power consumer 14 may be an electrical power consumer, such as an electric generator or the like, which can be used to perform various operations, e.g., providing electrical power for use by the working machine, etc.
• the auxiliary power unit 20 may be an electric power unit that includes an electric motor operable in both a generating mode and a motoring mode, while the energy storage unit 24 is embodied as one or more batteries for storing electrical energy and the safety device 26 is embodied as an overvoltage protection circuit.
• various feedback devices are utilized for the prime mover 12, power consumer 14, auxiliary power unit 20 and energy storage unit 24. More specifically, one or more power consumer feedback devices 28 may be operatively coupled to the power consumer 14 to monitor various system parameters.
• These feedback devices can include a load cell (or other load sensing device) coupled to the power consumer or a working portion of the machine that utilizes the power consumer, the load cell operative to provide a signal indicative of a load placed on the working machine (and thus on the power consumer).
• Other power consumer feedback devices may include a hydraulic pressure sensor for sensing hydraulic pressure on a hydraulic actuator and/or hydraulic line, current flowing from an electric machine, or any other sensor that provides an indication of load being consumed by the power consumer.
• both prime mover speed and torque are shifted to produce a power output that meets the demands of the power consumer 14 while also providing energy-efficient operation of the prime mover 12.
• Such shift can be seen by the movement 56 of the prime mover operating point along a constant power line as shown in Fig. 2.
• the feedback device 28 may be a load sensing device (e.g., a load cell) that provides a signal indicative of the load placed on the power consumer 14.
• the controller 18 can analyze the data and estimate an amount of hydraulic power that will be needed to lift or lower the load.
• the estimated power along with knowledge of the variable displacement hydraulic pump(s) (e.g., displacement vs. swash plate angle) and associated components utilized in the power consumer 14 can be used to calculate the required pump displacement for various operational speeds of the prime mover 12.
• the controller 18 can select a speed for the prime mover 12 that produces the required torque while also operating in an efficient region (high torque, low speed), and communicate such operating point to the prime mover controller 13.
• the power output capability of the prime mover 12 is at least equal to the power consumption of the power consumer 14.
• the auxiliary power unit 20 can be decoupled from the prime mover 12 to minimize energy consumption.
• the controller 18 can command the second clutch 22 to disengage to decouple the auxiliary power unit 20 from the power consumer 14. In this manner, any drag associated with the auxiliary power unit 20 is removed from the system and thus energy efficiency improves.
• the excess power that can be produced by the prime mover 12 then can be used to drive the auxiliary power unit 20, which may be a hydraulic pump or an electric motor, and the power generated by the auxiliary power unit 20 can be stored in the energy storage unit 24, which may be an accumulator or a battery, for use at a later time.
• the energy storage unit 24 which may be an accumulator or a battery
• the controller 18 can command the clutch 22 to engage, thereby coupling the auxiliary power unit 20 to both the prime mover 12 and power consumer 24, and command the auxiliary power unit controller 21 to place the auxiliary power unit 20 in motoring mode (i.e., the auxiliary power unit 20 consumes energy stored in the energy storage unit 24 to produce power for driving the prime mover 12 and/or power consumer 14).
• the energy stored in the energy storage unit 24 then can be used to drive the auxiliary power unit 20 (motoring mode), which may be a hydraulic pump or an electric motor.
• the power produced by the auxiliary power unit 20 then can be provided to the prime mover 12 and/or power consumer 14 to make up for any short-term power deficiencies of the prime mover 12.
• the controller 18 may command the first clutch 16 to disengage thereby decoupling the prime mover 12 from the power consumer 14. In addition, the controller 18 may instruct the prime mover controller 13 to turn off the prime mover 12.
• the controller 18 can command the second clutch 22 to engage thereby coupling the auxiliary power unit 20 to the power consumer 14, and instruct the auxiliary power unit controller 21 to operate the auxiliary power unit 20 in motoring mode, where energy stored in the energy storage device 24 is used to drive the auxiliary power unit 20. Power produced by the auxiliary power unit 20 then is provided to the power consumer 14 to enable operation of the working machine without the prime mover 12.
• the controller 18 can command the first clutch 16 to engage thereby coupling the prime mover 12 to the second clutch 22 and the auxiliary power unit 20 can be used to start the prime mover 12. In this manner, the system can seamlessly enable and disable the prime mover 12 on an as-needed basis so as to minimize energy consumption.
• control system in accordance with the present disclosure may include an automatic position mode and a system monitor mode.
• the automatic position mode enables a repetitive motion (e.g., a motion profile) of the working machine to be stored by the controller 18, the profile being automatically executed in an energy-efficient manner.
• a repetitive motion e.g., a motion profile
• a sensor can record the starting or ending angle of the implement.
• displacement of a swing motor that drives the swing motion can be reduced (e.g., via swash plate angle) to maintain a small torque/velocity (and therefore predict when the implement will be stopped) until the desired position is achieved.
• Such small torque/velocity can be based on known inertias and losses for the components associated with the swing motion.
• the controller 18 by taking into consideration the desired position and known system losses and inertias, can intelligently command the prime mover 12, auxiliary power unit 20 and power consumer 14 to use the minimal amount of energy that can produce the required motion.
• Such operation not only provides improved smoothness in operation for the working machine, but also minimizes operator error and can relieve the fatigue.
• FIGs. 3-5 several flow diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for controlling a working machine in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are provided.
• the flow diagrams include a number of process blocks arranged in a particular order.
• many alternatives and equivalents to the illustrated steps may exist and such alternatives and equivalents are intended to fall with the scope of the claims appended hereto.
• Alternatives may involve carrying out additional steps or actions not specifically recited and/or shown, carrying out steps or actions in a different order from that recited and/or shown, and/or omitting recited and/or shown steps.
• Alternatives also include carrying out steps or actions concurrently or with partial concurrence.
• Fig. 3 illustrates a flow diagram 100 for controlling power flow in a working machine in accordance with the present disclosure.
• the controller 18 estimates the power required by the power consumer 14. As described herein, such estimate may be based on feedback data indicative of a load subjected to the power consumer.
• the controller 18 determines optimal operational characteristics for the prime mover 12 and power consumer 14 (e.g., pump
• the controller 18 utilizes constant power lines for the prime mover 12. More particularly, the required power of the power consumer 14 can be compared to a speed and torque output of the prime mover 12 along the constant power lines 52 of Fig. 2 to determine which constant power line 52 provides a most energy-efficient operating point for the prime mover 12 (typically the lowest speed and highest torque produces the most energy efficient operation).
• any losses associated with driving the auxiliary power unit 20 can be eliminated and thus energy consumption can be minimized.
• the method then can proceed to block 1 14. If, however, the second clutch 22 is already disengaged, then the method can move directly to block 1 14.
• the method moves the block 132 where the controller determines if the prime mover 12 is enabled or disabled (on or off). If the prime mover 12 is enabled/on, the method moves to block 1 14 where the controller 18 determines if the power required by the power consumer 14 is below a prescribed value (referred to as a first prescribed value). If the power required by the power consumer 14 is not below the first prescribed value, then the method moves back to block 102 and repeats. However, if the power required by the power consumer is less than the first prescribed value, then the method moves to block 134 where controller 18 determines the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device 24, for example, using the feedback device 32.
• a prescribed value referred to as a first prescribed value
• the method moves to block 138 where the prime mover 12 is enabled (started).
• the energy stored in the energy storage unit 24 can be used to drive the auxiliary power unit 20, which in turn can drive the prime mover 12 so as to start the prime mover (assuming the prime mover is embodied as an engine).
• the controller 18 can command the auxiliary power unit controller 21 to operate the auxiliary power unit 20 in motoring mode, command the first and second clutches 16 and 22 to be engaged (if not already engaged) and command the prime mover controller 13 to enable the prime mover 12.
• the method moves back to block 102 and repeats.
• the method moves to block 210, which is described below. If the first position is to be read, then at block 206 the controller 18 determines the current position of the function of interest (e.g., a swing motion). The current position may be based on data obtained by feedback devices 28 of the power consumer 14 (e.g., an actuator position). Next at block 208 the controller 18 stores the current position in memory as an initial position for use during automatic operation, and the method proceeds to clock 210.
• the current position of the function of interest e.g., a swing motion
• the current position may be based on data obtained by feedback devices 28 of the power consumer 14 (e.g., an actuator position).
• the controller 18 stores the current position in memory as an initial position for use during automatic operation, and the method proceeds to clock 210.
• the one or more system operating parameters are compared to corresponding baseline parameters.
• the baseline parameters may be obtained during a calibration mode of the working machine and stored in memory of the controller 18. If at block 308 there is a deviation between the operating parameters and the baseline parameters by more than a prescribed value, such as for example a 10 percent or more deviation, then at block 312 the controller 18 can flag the operator that system

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Operation Control Of Excavators (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-06-18 US US15/319,959 patent/US10160439B2/en active Active
  • 2015-06-18 CN CN201580033431.0A patent/CN106470883B/zh active Active
  • 2015-06-18 EP EP15742419.3A patent/EP3157792A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2015-06-18 WO PCT/US2015/036400 patent/WO2015195895A1/en active Application Filing

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